Women on track to make up 30 per cent of boards by 2018, parity by 2022

Women will make up 30 per cent of board directors for ASX 200 companies by 2018 if appointment rates continue, but gender parity on ASX 200 boards will likely not be reached until 2022, the Australian Institute of Company Directors quarterly gender diversity report has found.

Six ASX 200 companies have reached 50 per cent of female directors or more, including Medibank Private with 62.5 per cent, while half the directors of AMP, Bellamy’s, Boral, Mirvac, Nine Entertainment and Woolworths are women. The percentage of women on ASX 200 companies has increased to 23.8 per cent from 8.3 per cent in 2009.

AICD chairman John Brogden said the result was “extremely encouraging” but he added that Mercer has found the target of 30 per cent “will only be achieved if the monthly new appointment rate of 38 per cent or above continues”. Currently 43 per cent of new board appointments are women, up from 9 per cent in 2009.